Slambovian Circus of Dreams - A Box of Everything

by Lisa Torem

published: 15 / 7 / 2014

Slambovian Circus of Dreams - A Box of Everything

Label: Red River Entertainment
Format: CD

Magical compilation album from eccentric but diverse Americana outfit, the Slambovian Circus of Dreams

Review

The Slambovian Circus of Dreams (AKA The Grand Slambovians) formed in Sleepy Hollow, New York in 2004. They’re frequently seen at major music festivals across Canada, the US and the UK. Although they’ve released other clever records, their new release, ‘A Box of Everything’ claims to be comprised of “the greatest hits you’ve never heard.” The only advice I can give, then, is to hear them! Now! This quartet is comprised of vocalist Joziah Longo, who also plays guitar, harmonica, banjo and jawharp: Tink Lloyd, whose accordion, cello, theremin, flute and vocals add tremendous texture: Sharkey McEwen, whose command of electric, acoustic, slide guitar and mandolin and bass are unforgettable and sure to bring you to your knees and Eric Puente on hard drive drums and percussion. Add to that a slew of virtuosic guest artists and you’ve got a sensational 14-track epic. ‘Rocket’ makes the simplest yet most convincing initial statement: “Got the sound coming down,” and as this opening song builds to a bridge; storming with military drums, you soon find yourself in the midst of a George Harrison-like electric guitar solo – it’s as if the Byrds, Dylan and CSNY sauntered through the recording booth, grabbed some vocal mics, let the tape roll and nailed it after one try. The title song is moving – After buying his girl a diamond bracelet and then a ring, Longo just throws up his hands and buys her “a box of everything.” His sincere, love struck cries make this ballad soar with smouldering passion. It’s Tink’s turn to shine on ‘Tink (I Know It’s You). The glorious instrumental passage says more than any words can explain. ‘The Trans-Slambovian Bipolar Express' is the perfect vehicle for Longo’s Dylan-esque pub-crawl of a voice. He makes sure the cheeky lyrics pound delight into every sense. The in-your-face percussion and gyrating guitar; the 60’s style blues harp contribute a jagged, unpretentious edge. “I woke today, like yesterday/Went out to score some antipain” is how ‘Sunday in the Rain’ starts out - at first it’s melancholy but, as the sheets of rain dissipate, a sense of newness and hope prevail. Outlaw guitar frames slacker anthem. ‘Very Happy Now' is so full of energy and charm that you’ll bop your head until it aches. If you’re “tired of living in the fog and in the dark,” go on a road trip and crank up the volume. ‘Lost Highway’ will encourage the laziest sod ever to gear up the ignition. ‘A Very Unusual Head’ was inspired by the late, great Syd Barrett of Pink Floyd fame. It’s the carousel-like tempo and quirky lyrics that make it unique. The creepy crawly melody and allure of the story line make ‘The Good Thief’ a great deal. “A good thief tips his hat,” gives you an idea of what you’re headed for. It recalls some of the Kinks very British fare. Whilst ‘Pickin’ Up Daisies’ is bright and folky, ‘Living with God’ is pensive and haunting – “Sometimes it feels like the world is closing in on us,” Longo exclaims. The epic ‘Talkin’ to the Buddha’ features howling harp and plaintive strumming. The heartbreaking electric guitar solo adds much sheen to the killer theme. ‘Light a Way’ is a tender and lovely song that’s clearly designed to capture the coldest heart. In contrast, the closer, ‘Alligators,’ has a distinct blues flavour. The well-placed harmonics give it a classic rock lift. The gorgeous guitar work leads to another surprise: a chorus, which will remind you of one of your favorite artists. I won’t spoil the surprise, though… It goes without saying that ‘A Box of Everything’ is a musical treasure trove and that the Slambovian Circus of Dreams is a magical unit.

Track Listing:-

1 Rocket
2 A Box of Everything
3 Tink (I Know It's You)
4 The Trans-Slambovian Bipolar
5 Sunday in the Rain
6 Very Happy Now
7 Lost Highway
8 A Very Unusual Head
9 Good Thief
10 Pushin' up Daisies
11 Living with God
12 Talkin' to the Buddha
13 Light a Way
14 Alligators
15 The Grand Slambovians
16 Slambovia
17 Ravenous Ways
18 Already Broken
19 Baby Jane
20 Sullivan Lane
21 Windmills
22 Flapjacks from the Sky
23 The Great Unravel
24 The Invisible